Record-breaking runner Joss Naylor known as ‘King of the Fells’ dies at 88 after going out for a run for nearly every day of his life

Fell running legend Joss Naylor MBE, also known as King Of The Fells, has died at the age of 88.

The Climbing Shop, based in Ambleside, announced his death on social media, adding that the runner had died ‘surrounded by friends and family’.

Originally from Gosforth, Cumbria, this sheep farmer took up running in 1960 and won several races, earning him the nickname Iron Man.

He remained an avid runner for the rest of his life, serving as an inspiration to fellow joggers around the world who broke several records.

Mr Naylor set the fastest known time for Pennine Way, Welsh 3,000ers, the Three Peaks – and even broke the Lake District 24-hour mark three times.

At the age of 80, he ventured nearly 30 miles from Caldbeck to Wasdale in memory of his father Joe, while also raising money for the Brathay Trust – a youth development charity.

Three years later the athlete even completed the Lake District Mountain Trial, a challenge he failed to complete in 1962 due to bad weather and cramps.

In 1983, the extraordinary athlete also completed the Lakes, Meres and Waters event – ​​which includes a 20,000ft, 105-mile climb – in just 19 hours and 14 minutes.

He also raced over the 214 Wainwrights in just seven days at the age of 50, and later ran 70 Lakeland hills at the age of 70.

In an interview with BBC Countryfile in February 2021, he revealed that he still runs two or three times a week.

He described the mountain peaks as ‘the most beautiful view on earth’.

Mr. Naylor was known for his humble spirit and for his support of other runners.

While living in a care home in 2021 after suffering a stroke, he told Bradbury House: ‘I consider myself very lucky with all the records and victories over the years.

“The conditions and your body have to be right on the day, so I was lucky to be able to perform at the right times.

‘It was extra difficult to keep going during the heat waves, but I had a lot of support from friends, family and the running community.

He added: ‘There are a lot of good people involved in the sport. In my opinion, they are the best people on the planet and I am very proud to be associated with them.

‘We all like to work together and some of the challenges I’ve mentioned are often organized to raise money for various charities.

‘I was fortunate to receive recognition for my charity work and running achievements in the form of an MBE.’

After the death of the runner, who was awarded an MBE (Martin of British Military) for his services to charity and sport, was announced, condolences poured in from far and wide.

Stuart Ferguson, chairman of the Fell Runners Association, said: “We are extremely saddened by the news that legend Joss Naylor has passed away.

“Joss inspired so many people and will always be remembered for what he contributed to our unique sport.”

The Brathay Trust, for whom the runner raised a whopping £40,000 between 2007 and 2019, also released its own statement.

He was scheduled to attend all of the charity’s fundraising races until he suffered a stroke in 2021.

They said: ‘[Mr Naylor’s] His unwavering dedication to our mission and passion for the outdoors have left an indelible mark on our organization.

“Joss’s legendary achievements as a runner and his tireless advocacy for young people resonated with us all.

‘His adventurous spirit, resilience and love of the Lake District inspired countless people, both within and beyond our community.

The legendary runner was awarded an MBE in 2007 for his services to sport and charity, after raising £40,000 for the Brathay Trust between 2007 and 2019.

‘As we mourn his loss, let us remember Joss Naylor as a beacon of determination, kindness and camaraderie.

“His legacy will forever echo in the hills and valleys he crossed, and in the hearts of those he touched.”

The Welsh 1000m Peaks Race shared a heartfelt statement saying Mr Naylor had created a ‘legacy of running excellence’.

They said: ‘The British running community of mountaineers and mountaineers will be touched by his faithful presence over decades and now by his sad passing.

‘Thank you for leaving a legacy of excellent running in the Welsh 1000m Peaks Race, with many notable wins in the early years of the race in the 1970s.’